Yes it is still just about barbecue season, but our thoughts are inexorably turning to Christmas, with One Traveller already seeing bookings rolling in for the festive season, according to CEO Ian Darkin.
“According to recent research from the Policy Institute at Kings College*, one in nine people now spend Christmas Day alone. That is double the proportion from previous generations. We can see that this is driving strong seasonal demand for organised, social holidays over the Christmas period,” remarked Darkin. “People might be alone, but they don’t want to be lonely, and our award-winning solo holidays remove that sense of isolation.”
“Also, last year ABTA noted a major surge in experiential and seasonal trips**. This fits with our sales patterns, with festive markets, European cities, and snowy getaways all scoring record bookings for us,” he added.
“Trending destinations for One Traveller guests are as diverse as Hampshire, Crete, Madrid, and India, showing that there is no such thing as a typical festive holiday… our guests are simply choosing with their hearts.”
The following One Traveller Christmas and New Year trips have availability at the time of writing:
PRE-CHRISTMAS
Waltz into the festive season with a dance-themed cruise [NEW]
Add some glitterball sparkle to your festive season with One Traveller’s six-day cruise hosted by legendary choreographer Dame Arlene Phillips and former professional dancer Ian Waite. The duo will share tales of the dance floor at special talks, part of the dance-themed onboard programme that also includes masterclasses, film screenings, production shows and a Gatsby-inspired farewell party. Ballroom, Latin, line dancing…this cruise has it all, and no shortage of resident dance partners either. Setting sail from Southampton, there will also be opportunities to enjoy the festive buzz of both Amsterdam and Honfleur.
Departing 13th December, 6 nights from £2,990pp including ocean view cabin for sole occupancy, all meals and entertainment onboard, onboard premium drinks package, exclusive social events, shore excursion in each port, return chauffeur service from home to port, plus onboard gratuities.
Full tour inclusions here: A Celebration of Dance at Sea
Find plenty of cheer in Edinburgh’s Christmas market [NEW]
Wrap yourself in Edinburgh’s festivities like a cosy blanket, with One Traveller’s Edinburgh Christmas Market by Rail tour. First class rail from London provides a relaxing start to the tour, and Edinburgh’s legendary Christmas market will be easily accessible from your centrally located hotel. As well as time to browse the stalls and tuck into their seasonal treats at your own pace, the holiday includes a guided walking tour, a visit to Edinburgh Castle, and a spot of whisky tasting. You’ll also experience the Scottish capital’s hidden secret, an underground network of abandoned streets. Shared meals and social evenings help make this a joyful pre-Christmas getaway.
Departing 7 December from London Kings Cross, from £2,290pp, including return scheduled first class rail tickets, 4 nights in a 4-star hotel, 10 meals (4 breakfasts, 2 lunches, 4 evening meals), a welcome and farewell drink, plus all tours and the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager throughout.
Full tour inclusions here: Edinburgh Christmas Market by Rail
AWAY FOR CHRISTMAS
Have a merry Italian Christmas in gastronomic favourite, Bologna [NEW]
If Christmas is the season for indulgence, then why not feast in Italy, while forging new friendships on One Traveller’s Bologna for Christmas holiday. You’ll spend Christmas Eve getting to know Bologna’s atmospheric old town – where a vibrant market fills the historic street of Strada Maggiore – and enjoy a typically Italian Christmas dinner on Christmas Day. From Boxing Day, you’ll strike out into the surrounding Emilia Romagna region, visiting the Enzo Ferrari Museum, a world-class balsamic vinegar producer, and Parma, famous for its cheese and ham.
Departing Heathrow on 23 December, from £3,290pp, includes return scheduled flights, 6 nights in a four-star hotel, nearly all meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 6 evening meals), welcome drink and a drink included with all evening meals, all tours and the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager throughout.
Full tour inclusions here: Bologna for Christmas
It’s the most wonderful time of the year… to be in Crete [NEW]
If milder temperatures and a warm welcome are on your Christmas list, then consider Crete for Christmas with One Traveller. While relaxing in the family-run Mistral Hotel, you’ll find it a home from home for solo travellers. And then – with time to explore the popular Greek island – you’ll discover how authentic olive oil is produced, soak up the atmosphere of Chania’s Venetian harbour, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of a monastery near Kolymbari. Goodwill is the thread running through this holiday, which culminates with an authentic barbecue in a rustic taverna.
Departing Heathrow on 21 December, from £2,990pp, includes return scheduled flights, 6 nights at a four-star deluxe hotel, private coach throughout, most meals (6 breakfasts, 4 lunches and 5 evening meals), welcome drinks and complimentary wine with dinner, and two dedicated One Traveller Tour Managers. Plus, choose either door-to-door chauffeur service, regional connecting flights, or a Pre-Holiday Get-Together.
Full tour inclusions here: Crete for Christmas
That time Santa brought you an elephant on Christmas Day in Sri Lanka
Spending Christmas exploring the Pearl of the Indian Ocean will surely be one to remember, with One Traveller’s Festive Sri Lanka itinerary. Starting in the bustling capital of Colombo, you’ll also experience local village life with cookery and traditional dance classes, and cultural highlights such as the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and the Temple of the Tooth relic, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site. Alongside wildlife safaris, a scenic train ride and golden beaches, an undoubted highlight is visiting the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, a rather unique place to spend Christmas Day.
Departing Heathrow on 15 December, from £5,990pp, includes return scheduled flights, private coach throughout, 14 nights in 4-and 5-star hotels, most meals, welcome and farewell drinks, plus Christmas Eve drink, nearly all excursions, plus the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager throughout.
Full tour inclusions here: Festive Sri Lanka
Find the spirit of Christmas along the Danube [NEW]
As a guest onboard One Traveller’s exclusive charter, there’s no time to feel blue on the Danube. The six-day cruise transports you through a variety of landscapes, cultures and cuisines, from imperial Vienna to romantic Budapest and up-and-coming Bratislava. You’ll be able to admire all their spectacular illuminations from the vantage point of your floating hotel, and easily step ashore to soak up their festive vibe in person. On your final night, dress up for a gala dinner with new-found friends and ship mates.
Departing Heathrow on 22 December, from £4,090pp, includes return scheduled flights, 5 nights aboard the premium rated MS Douce France – sole occupancy, double cabin, all meals, all-inclusive drinks package, guided tours, and the services of two One Traveller Tour Managers throughout. Plus, choose either door-to-door chauffeur service, regional connecting flights, or a Pre-Holiday Get-Together.
Full tour inclusions here: Danube Christmas Cruise
NEW YEAR
Ring in the new year in Dublin [NEW]
Come together with like-minded travellers to celebrate the new year, Irish style. One Traveller’s Dublin for New Year holiday offers a blend of guided sightseeing and free time, with highlights including the iconic Guinness Storehouse, the historic site of Kilmainham Gaol and the interactive Irish Emigration Museum. This break is infused with Irish spirit, from traditional music and dancing to a hands-on silversmith workshop, where you’ll create a keepsake of an unforgettable holiday.
Departing Heathrow on 29 December, from £2,990pp, includes return scheduled flights, private coach for excursions, 4 breakfasts and 4 evenings meals, a beer / wine / soft drink with all evening meals, all excursions, plus the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager throughout.
Full tour inclusions here: Dublin for New Year
Start the new year with a bang in Iceland
Watching fireworks is one way to usher in the new year but how about seeing nature put on a show too? While you explore Iceland’s Golden Circle under a blanket of snow, keep a look out for the Northern Lights. Even if you’re not so lucky with that one, Iceland has other dazzling displays, from the thundering Gullfoss Waterfall to the immense lava fields of Reykjanes peninsula. On New Year’s Eve, you’ll join your One Traveller friends on a boat in Reykjavik harbour for the countdown to midnight, when you’ll ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ at one of the world’s largest unofficial firework displays, launched by locals into the sky.
Departing Heathrow on 29 December, from £3,990pp, includes return scheduled flights, 4 nights in a 4-star hotel, excursions, most meals and some drinks, excursions and the services of a One Traveller Tour Manager throughout.
Full tour inclusions here: Iceland for New Year
Sources:
*https://www.kcl.ac.uk/news/share-of-public-spending-christmas-alone-has-doubled-since-1969-study-finds
**https://www.abta.com/news/abta-estimates-over-five-million-head-abroad-great-christmas-and-new-year-getaway
Images supplied
